The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified its search Thursday for a cargo vessel missing off Occidental Mindoro, after reports emerged of floating bodies, dead water buffaloes, and vessel debris in coastal waters.

The MV Sta. Monica-A1, carrying 10 crew members, vanished after departing Sta. Cruz Port in Taytay, Palawan on October 22.

The vessel, owned by Synergy Sea Venture Inc., was seeking shelter from harsh weather brought about by severe typhoon Kristine when contact was lost.

Local fishermen in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, discovered 10 empty LPG tanks on October 27, while residents of Paluan reported sighting two bodies and several dead water buffaloes approximately 14 nautical miles offshore the following day.

Two days later, a fisherman recovered a life jacket marked “MV STA MONICA-A1” and two unmarked life rings about 10 nautical miles off Paluan on October 29, PCG officials confirmed.

The Coast Guard deployed its PCG-251 Islander aircraft to conduct aerial searches over waters between North East El Nido and Mamburao, while maintaining coastal and seaborne patrols in the area.

“Search operations will continue as weather and sea conditions permit,” PCG said.

The vessel’s owner is coordinating closely with authorities as the investigation unfolds.